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active 48 mins ago

Johanna Fabian

I enjoy slow travel, ideally being in one country for a month where I can really get to know the local people, their way of life and of course their food! I am Peruvian-American and have traveled through many of the beautiful countries LATAM has to offer.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in all things South America! You can count on me to recommend the best cafés and restaurants in town specially in Lima, the gastronomical capital of Latin America. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Back in 2011 I joined a study abroad culinary program in Peru. Here, my curiosity began to burst. Not only did I want to travel everywhere In Peru but I wanted to learn about different cultures and different food and techniques the world has to offer. Now no matter where I travel, making a stop at a local market is at the top of my list! "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"In 2012 I went to Iquitos with a couple of German friends, we camped out in an indigenous community in the middle of the Amazon, it was not at all glamorous, but one of the most memorable trips. I got to learn so much about how the community lived, their culture, their food, and their reality. It was both eye-opening and life-changing. "

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Favorite experiences

Peruvian Amazon Nature Tour

The southern Peruvian Amazon region is a veritable wonderland of natural attractions. The best way to experience as many of them as possible is on a series of short, guided adventure treks. The home base for this tour is a jungle lodge near the border with Bolivia, and the first mini-trek is...

Recent trip reviews for Johanna

Our family trip to Peru was perfect.
Peru | Mar 21 - Mar 29, 2024

Jennifer
Jennifer F.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2024
Our family trip to Peru was an absolute delight! With a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, we were seeking both adventure and and memorable family friendly experiences. Johanna crafted the perfect itinerary for us. We started out in Lima, where we learned what a beautiful city it was, although quite busy it was there that we experienced a wonderful food tour. The Lima culinary experience tour was a highlight, offering a plethora of new tastes for us to savor, which even our... Read more

Our family trip to Peru was an absolute delight! With a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, we were seeking both adventure and and memorable family friendly experiences. Johanna crafted the perfect itinerary for us. We started out in Lima, where we learned what a beautiful city it was, although quite busy it was there that we experienced a wonderful food tour. The Lima culinary experience tour was a highlight, offering a plethora of new tastes for us to savor, which even our children thoroughly enjoyed. The accommodations, especially the Ecolodge in Ollantaytempo , Palace Marriott in Cusco, exceeded our expectations. We wished we could have spent more time in Cusco. Each guide we encountered was incredibly welcoming, making us feel safe and enlightened throughout our journey. Our excursions, including ATV and rafting with Cesar and Gabriel, were made even more enjoyable thanks to their expertise and reassurance. Edy, our guide in Moray &Maras, left a lasting impression, enriching our understanding of the culture and landmarks. Our last big adventure was epic being able to experience Machu Picchu and our guide was perfect for our family. Overall, our trip to Peru was unforgettable, thanks to the thoughtful planning and exceptional hospitality we experienced. We did have to contact Kimkim a few times to up the experience and they were quick to help us figure out a few changes to the itinerary. They even reassured us when our train was delayed there was a reason, but things were still on track. Thank you Johanna and Kimkim we’ll def use this service in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Lima

It was clean and quaint, the location worked well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not downtown, cute safe neughbirhood
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds weren’t super comfortable, but it was clean.
Las Qolqas EcoResort Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo

Allocation of this ecolodge was awesome and beautiful wouldn’t have changed a thing about this experience

Authenticity & Character
The tents were great. They are very luxurious wonderful showers wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Mapi by Inkaterra
Lima

This hotel was nice for being there only a short period of time. It wasn’t overly unique, but it was clean and the staff was very friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palacio del Inka Cusco
Cusco

Amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Lima Airport
Lima

Was actually just what we needed right before our flight out the next day. The food at the restaurant was really good. I was surprised.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Lima City & Food Tour
Lima City & Food Tour
Peru
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Apr 09, 2024

Hi Jennifer,
I'm so glad to hear you and your family had a great time in Peru, it is always nice to hear our guides left a positive mark on your trip.

We hope to help you with any future trips in South America!

Best,
Johanna

I never thought I needed this, but now wouldn’t travel without it!
Peru | Mar 15 - Mar 26, 2024

Adam and Alyson
Adam and Alyson M.
| Reviewed on Apr 03, 2024
I was so impressed with KimKim! My local specialist, Johanna, was very patient with me, and took the time to really understand what I wanted out of the trip! In addition, I planned it very last minute, and she did a great job of making it all come together! I also had a local team specialist Kristy, who was great at dealing with any issues we had along the way. I found the service to be invaluable especially with the almost instant help and feedback I got well traveling. I have never used a... Read more

I was so impressed with KimKim! My local specialist, Johanna, was very patient with me, and took the time to really understand what I wanted out of the trip! In addition, I planned it very last minute, and she did a great job of making it all come together! I also had a local team specialist Kristy, who was great at dealing with any issues we had along the way. I found the service to be invaluable especially with the almost instant help and feedback I got well traveling. I have never used a travel agent before, and I’ve always planned my own trips and was hesitant about using KimKim but after this experience, I will probably Never travel without KimKim again!

Hotel Review
Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport
Lima

This hotel could use an update and the customer service is not great but if you are getting in late at night or leaving late in the morning its location is ideal! It’s literally right across the street from the airport so that’s what makes it worth it!

Authenticity & Character
Everything!
Location
Right across street from airport!
Staff
Not friendly or helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Apr 09, 2024

Hi Alyson,
I'm so glad to hear your last minute trip to Peru was a success and that you left happy to have contacted us!

We hope to welcome you to South America again,
Johanna

We had an incredible time. My only criticism...
Peru | Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2024

T
Trent B.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024

We had an incredible time. My only criticism is not getting a detailed itinerary before arrival—pick up times, etc. I had no cell service or internet until arrival at first hotel, so I had no way of knowing about driver from airport. Once I met up with Amy in Lima, the rest went very smoothly.

Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Apr 09, 2024

Hi Trent,
I'm so glad to hear you had a great time in Peru! We usually send out final travel programs one month before arrival but it seems it may have been lost in the thread with other information and questions. In the future we will be sure to highlight it a little more.

We hope to welcome you in South America again!
Johanna

Peru and Bolivia - a great first visit
Peru | Jan 22 - Feb 1, 2024

Gail
Gail G.
Singapore | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2024
All in all we had a great trip. Everything was well organised and ran very smoothly.
Our guide Emelia in Cusco was so good and when Machu Picchu was shut down she handled the new itinerary etc very well. Also a big thank you for the refunds processed so quickly. The highlight of the trip for us was the train between Cusco and Puno. 5 star service and amazing scenery.
The guides who helped us through the land border Peru/Bolivia were amazing as was the guide who assisted me with getting...
Read more

All in all we had a great trip. Everything was well organised and ran very smoothly.
Our guide Emelia in Cusco was so good and when Machu Picchu was shut down she handled the new itinerary etc very well. Also a big thank you for the refunds processed so quickly. The highlight of the trip for us was the train between Cusco and Puno. 5 star service and amazing scenery.
The guides who helped us through the land border Peru/Bolivia were amazing as was the guide who assisted me with getting the Bolivian visa. We would have struggled to do this all ourselves.
We loved the personal service and private tours and being able to connect with KimKim any time via the email link was excellent.
All the hotels were great, just to our liking especially Antigua Casona San Blas in Cusco.
Thank you.

Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Feb 13, 2024

Hi Gail,
I'm so glad you had a great time in Peru and Bolivia though we are terribly sorry you weren't able to visit Machu Picchu after all. We hope to welcome you in South America again!

Best,
Johanna

Joanna planned a great trip for us to Peru.
Peru | Dec 29 - Jan 7, 2024

Larry
Larry G.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2024

Joanna planned a great trip for us to Peru. The hotels were great. The activities were great and the prearranged driver was amazing. We really got to like Alex. The sky Lodge was an amazing recommendation, and a once in a lifetime adventure.

Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Jan 18, 2024

Hi Larry,
I'm so glad to hear you had a great time in Peru and that you enjoyed the Sky Lodge!

We hope to welcome you again in South America,
Johanna

Good trip to Machu Picchu. Thanks Kimkim.
Peru | Dec 24 - Dec 30, 2023

P
Praveen P.
Chandler, AZ | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2024
We had an overall positive experience with KimKim travel on our recent visit to MachuPichu. Our main contact was Johanna. We made plans just a few weeks before actual travel. Johanna was very helpful in helping us plan out our 6 day vacation to Machu Piche, the sacred valley, Cusco and Lima. We had a detailed phone call with Johanna prior to travel and also got good advice about travel to Peru ( our first visit). Kristy was also given as a contact for our trip. During the trip, everything... Read more

We had an overall positive experience with KimKim travel on our recent visit to MachuPichu. Our main contact was Johanna. We made plans just a few weeks before actual travel. Johanna was very helpful in helping us plan out our 6 day vacation to Machu Piche, the sacred valley, Cusco and Lima. We had a detailed phone call with Johanna prior to travel and also got good advice about travel to Peru ( our first visit). Kristy was also given as a contact for our trip.

During the trip, everything also worked out great / as planned. Our guides - Richard in Machu Picchu, Jose in Sacred Valley and Sonya in Cusco were all excellent. They were knowledgeable and friendly.

I would have given this review 5 stars had it not been for a scheduling issue. Our final day was supposed to be a nice culinary tour in Lima. We were flying in from Cusco to take that tour. At the last minute, our tour was changed to a different one - more of a city tour, because of a realization that we may be short on time to catch the original tour. Since all the planning was done by KimKim, we feel this change could have been avoided by asking us to take an earlier flight from Cusco. Not sure why this was a late realization. When we expressed our dissatisfaction , they promptly refunded us for this part of the tour. Until this time, we were having a flawless trip.

I do appreciate the good support from the Kimkim team. Both Kristy and Johanna were extremely responsive throughout. Thanks ! Overall excellent communications throughout. Johanna even took a phone call from me on the evening of Christmas Day. She was proactive in advising us to go to the Ministry of Culture on our arrival in Aguas Calientes to check for tickets on a different circuit that we were interested in. All hotels and transfers were great and overall planning was superior.

Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Jan 10, 2024

Hi Praveen,
It's great to hear you overall had a great experience. We're terribly sorry for the hiccup on the last day, I have shared your feedback with my team to ensure better experiences for the future.

We hope to be able to assist you with your future trips in Latin America!

Best,
Johanna

Hello Johanna did a great job of pulling toge...
Peru | Dec 25 - Jan 4, 2024

K
Karthik V.
Tampa, FL | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2024
Hello Johanna did a great job of pulling together our amazing trip to Peru and the Galapagos. There were some small snafus in terms of timings but overall it was a great time. We would definitely go again. Our local guides were amazing and we learnt so much from our experience. Read more

Hello Johanna did a great job of pulling together our amazing trip to Peru and the Galapagos. There were some small snafus in terms of timings but overall it was a great time. We would definitely go again. Our local guides were amazing and we learnt so much from our experience.

Hotel Reviews
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Mapi by Inkaterra
Lima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Solymar
Galápagos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Galápagos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms facing the ocean are gorgeous. But the internet leaves a lot to be desired. But that’s the Galapagos for you. ❤️
Activity Reviews
Puerto Villamil: Day 2
Puerto Villamil: Day 2
Isla Isabela
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Short Inca Trail Day 1: Hiking to Machu Picchu via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna
Short Inca Trail Day 1: Hiking to Machu Picchu via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fly to Santa Cruz Island & Tour Charles Darwin Station
Fly to Santa Cruz Island & Tour Charles Darwin Station
Peru

The tortoises are just amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Puerto Villamil: Day 1
Puerto Villamil: Day 1
Isla Isabela

This was ok would have been good to know that this was a hike tour in high heat. Would Likely not have done as heat intolerance

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Jan 10, 2024

Hi Karthik and Sonu,
It was great to help you plan another trip for your family. We're glad to hear your overall trip was great. Will be sharing some of your feedback with my team to ensure better trips in the future.

We hope to assist you again in your future travels!
Johanna

Hi my name is Jeanette I reach on to Johana ...
Peru | Dec 4 - Dec 12, 2023

Jeanette
Jeanette C.
Camden, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 31, 2023
Hi my name is Jeanette I reach on to Johana to help me to make my husbandJulio big 50 birthday very special .we wanted to know Peru and their culture and people .johanna went beyond my expectations ❤️she listen very carefully all the special details I request to make this birthday memorably.from the people that pick us up from the airport and all the staff from each hotel and our tour guide Franklyn we felt welcome ,secure,and very inform and especially lots of fun .I recommend with my eyes... Read more

Hi my name is Jeanette I reach on to Johana to help me to make my husbandJulio big 50 birthday very special .we wanted to know Peru and their culture and people .johanna went beyond my expectations ❤️she listen very carefully all the special details I request to make this birthday memorably.from the people that pick us up from the airport and all the staff from each hotel and our tour guide Franklyn we felt welcome ,secure,and very inform and especially lots of fun .I recommend with my eyes close kimkim to help you book your tours .I highly recommend our Franklyn as your tour guide ..i also want to say thank you to Kimkim and Franklyn for the surprise cake 🎂 up in matchu pichu ❤️❤️❤️❤️ here I live you some picture of our adventures Peru until then

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Lima

Is amazing is so beautiful from inside out .very clean the staff very welcoming very attentive.i love it

Authenticity & Character
Location
Is a beautiful place.is located it in a very secure area you can walk around to learn about Lima and also know the history of the area
Staff
Staff is very welcoming and very humble
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Albergue Ollantaytambo Boutique Hotel
Cusco

El albergue located at the sacred valley you waked up in the middle of this two huge mountain with the birds sound everything they serve you they themselves harvest .is very welcome romantic and the staff so kind

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Mapi by Inkaterra
Lima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Antigua Casona San Blas
Cusco

Antigua casona San Blas is located in Cusco once you step out everything is just a walk away from restaurant museum and market is so beautiful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Everything is very close just a walk away you can enjoy life music and all kind of food
Staff
Beautiful people i request flowers wine cake in the room before my husband and I got to the room and I can’t ask for nothing less they made it very special for us
Cleanliness & Comfort
When I tell you clean is clean no noise very comfortable and cozy
Activity Reviews
Moray & Maras ATV Tour
Moray & Maras ATV Tour
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Train to Aguas Calientes
Afternoon Train to Aguas Calientes
Peru

We love the scenic and the experience the train ride

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu

The most beautiful place that I ever visit .we made my husband big 50 so special at this place and day

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All I can say thank you Franklyn and Kim Kim
Transport
Lima City & Food Tour
Lima City & Food Tour
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fly from Lima to Cusco, Explore the City
Fly from Lima to Cusco, Explore the City
Peru

Is such a beautiful place Franklyn our tour guide took us to explore the city of Cusco to learn about their food and culture

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I want to say thank you to our tours Franklyn thank you for helping us to explore your city you speak with passion of your people and your culture Julio and I will always will be so greatful for your time and acknowledge.i also want to say thank you for the drivers which I am try to remember their name i remember the lady Milagros thank you for making sure we got to our destination safe
Fly from Cusco to Lima
Fly from Cusco to Lima
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival to Lima: Free Day to Explore
Arrival to Lima: Free Day to Explore
Lima
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cusco City Tour
Cusco City Tour
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Jan 04, 2024

Jeanette me da mucho gusto leer que tuviste una super experiencia en Peru!! Espero fue un cumpleaños inolvidable para tu esposo.

Estamos para ayudarte en cualquiera de tus viajes en Latinoamerica!
Johanna

Easy & smooth trip
Peru | Dec 15 - Dec 22, 2023

A
Anna Y.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2023
We loved how easy and smooth the whole planning process was. When we arrived everything was organized and we enjoyed the variety of activities throughout Peru. It was well balanced with activities but all free time to relax. We will use kimkim in the future. Read more

We loved how easy and smooth the whole planning process was. When we arrived everything was organized and we enjoyed the variety of activities throughout Peru. It was well balanced with activities but all free time to relax. We will use kimkim in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Lima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Puerto Maldonado
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Antigua Casona San Blas
Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Dec 30, 2023

Hi Anna,
I’m so glad to hear you had a great trip to Peru and it was everything you wanted. We hope to welcome you again in the future.

Best,
Johanna

Incredible service and support
Argentina | Nov 16 - Dec 1, 2023

M
Molly R.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Dec 08, 2023
Johanna and Kristy were both incredibly helpful and supportive through the entire planning process and the trip itself! We never felt alone, and had 24/7 support throughout the entire trip. We had an amazing trip filled with numerous activities in Patagonia. Thank you for creating the most special honeymoon for us!! Read more

Johanna and Kristy were both incredibly helpful and supportive through the entire planning process and the trip itself! We never felt alone, and had 24/7 support throughout the entire trip. We had an amazing trip filled with numerous activities in Patagonia. Thank you for creating the most special honeymoon for us!!

Hotel Reviews
CasaSur Recoleta
Buenos Aires
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
one of our towels was dirty and they shut the water off for 5+ hours at one point
Xelena Hotel & Suites
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Authenticity & Character
Location
a bit far away from downtown, but they had a shuttle
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Auberge du Vin, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tupungato
Tupungato
Authenticity & Character
Location
way too far away! we felt stranded and had to take long rides to get anywhere
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
A Wine tour of Valle de Uco
A Wine tour of Valle de Uco
Mendoza
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rafting the Mendoza River
Rafting the Mendoza River
Mendoza
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Minitrekking Ice Hike on Perito Moreno Glacier
Minitrekking Ice Hike on Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate
Quality of Experience
Food
no food included! make sure to tell folks to pack a lunch
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback riding
Horseback riding
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided “W” Trek 1/4 (camping)
Guided “W” Trek 1/4 (camping)
Argentina

W Trek itself was amazing, but they had us doing not the entire W trek which was very frustrating! Therefore, we had to hike 17 miles on day 3 (rather than take the catamaran to the bus to the shuttle) to get to the last refugio! Overall, the trek was amazing though and we had a great time, just not great planning and we met several other people who were staying at different refugios so they hikes were better spaced out.

Quality of Experience
Food
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian